'Mindtools' are simple bits of software, usually free, that you use in new and exciting ways to develop higher order thinking and problem solving skills.

According to Jonassen, Carr and Yueh (1998) 'Computers as Mindtools for Engaging Learners in Critical Thinking' TechTrends, March, pp. 24-32, Mindtools can be categorised as follows:

Semantic Organisation Tools

Help learners to analyse and organise what they know

Semantic Networking

Visual - visual concept mappers
CMap - Concept Mapping

Dynamic Modeling Tools

Help learners to describe the dynamic relationships among ideas.

Expert Systems

Simulate the way human experts solve problems

System Modeling Tools

Microworlds - exploratory worlds learning environments or discovery spaces.

Information Interpretation Tools

Tools that help learners to access and process information

Visualisation Tools

Help learners to represent and convey mental images.

Knowledge Construction Tools

Tools based on Seymour Papert's concept of 'constructionism'. Help learners design objects.
Microsoft Paint

Hypermedia

Software used to create multimedia products or presentation
Microsoft PowerPoint for StoryBoarding
Microsoft FrontPage
Microsoft Movie Maker for Animations
MS PowerPoint for Animations
Wiki-Wiki
Web Quests

Converstaion Tools

Electronic Mail
Discussion Boards